2024 NATIONAL MEDAL
for Museum and Library Service Finalist

Grades K-1: Suggested Beginning Chapter Books

This reading list was created by your Youth Services Librarians and includes great contemporary and classic books for kids. 

Beginning Chapter Books are perfect for readers who are moving up from Easy Readers but aren't ready for longer, more complicated novels.  They still contain lots of pictures and a large font size.  There are many fun and engaging series so newly independent readers will find familiar characters and situations that help to provide context.  The depth of the plot and the longer story arc help prepare kids to tackle meatier chapter books in the coming years.

Please click here for a printable copy.

A is for Elizabeth

by Rachel Vail

Mouse and Mole series

by Wong Herbert Yee

Mia Mayhem series

by Kara West

Ballet Cat series

by Bob Shea

Nate the Great series

by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Baby Monkey, Private Eye

by Brian Selznick

Princess Cora and the Crocodile

by Laura Amy Schlitz

Judy Moody and Friends series

by Megan McDonald

Ant and Honey Bee series

by Megan McDonald

Bink & Gollie series

by Kate DiCamillo

Mercy Watson series

by Kate DiCamillo

Henry Heckelbeck series

by Wanda Coven

Monkey and Elephant series

by Carole Lexa Schaefer

Mokie & Bik

by Wendy Orr

Sadiq series

by Siman Nuurali

Squirrel's world

by Lisa Moser

Kung Pow Chicken series

by Cyndi Marko

Murilla Gorilla series

by Jennifer Lloyd

Ling & Ting series

by Grace Lin

Mindy Kim series

by Lyla Lee

Penny series

by Kevin Henkes

Princess Pistachio series

by Marie-Louise Gay

Yasmin series

by Saadia Faruqi

Owl Diaries series

by Rebecca Elliott

Dodsworth series

by Tim Egan

Sydney & Taylor series

by Jacqueline Davies

Find Us on Our Social Media Platforms

 
YouTube